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The Be Battle Ready podcast is where everyday athletes, adventurers, and seekers of strength come to forge resilience - in body, mind, and spirit.
Hosted by coach Simon Ward, each episode explores the true pillars of endurance: purposeful training, nourishing nutrition, restorative sleep, a resilient mindset, and the art of recovery. It’s designed especially for those in their 40s, 50s and beyond who refuse to rust - men and women who know that age is no excuse to stop sharpening the blade.
Whether you’re preparing for your next Ironman, rebuilding after setback, or simply training for the demands of life itself, this show will help you stay Battle Ready: strong, adaptable, and unbreakable.
Expect conversations with world-class coaches, scientists, and everyday warriors - those who walk the path of longevity and high performance - sharing wisdom, tactics, and stories from the front line of endurance.
👉 Subscribe now and step inside the ranks of the Battle Ready Society - where strength is forged, and rust never wins.
Episodes

Wednesday Sep 26, 2018
Simon Ward and Dr. Phil Maffetone
Wednesday Sep 26, 2018
Wednesday Sep 26, 2018
This week I am joined by a man whose methods are currently at the forefront of my mind both from a nutrition and a training standpoint. I have recommended the book Primal Endurance to many people in the last 24 months, and I know of many people who are currently trying out the principles of today’s guest, Dr Phil Maffetone.
This is a long conversation - almost 90 minutes - which means I have given you 200% more than I promised. I know how to deliver value for money!! Considering that we have never spoken or met, this was a very relaxed conversation and we discuss a range of different subjects. Here are some of the highlights to look out for:
- I make a confession to Phil right at the start (2:30)
- Why don’t young triathletes ask Mark for his advice about high performance? (4:00)
- The off season is called off season for a reason (8:00)
- Training + workout + recovery (10:09)
- Coming up with the MAF method (180-age) (12:41)
- Glycogen stores are like a retirement fund, try not to use them (24:41)
- In an Ironman the bike ride should be at MAF HR (25:45)
- If you train at MAF HR you will get faster at the same HR (29:00)
- How to race faster when you train at an intensity below race effort (30:40)
- Track workouts, and why they are ‘dumb’ for beginner athletes (36:23)
- Why Phil rarely recommends Keto diets unless they have a medical condition (47:39)
- No diets - just avoid junk food and sugar (51:24)
- Sugar and why having it in small amounts is like heroin in all amounts (53:17)
- The “overfat” endurance athlete (58:21)
- Inflammation - The link between refined sugars, processed foods and injury (1.02:15)
- “Every animal on earth knows how to eat, except humans” (1:03:07)
- Simon and Phil put together a 5 step process to starting MAF method training (1:08:38)
- Phil agrees to come back for another call. Boom!! (1:27:10)
Find out more about Phil Maffetone by visiting his website - https://philmaffetone.com/
The MAF Method of Training - https://philmaffetone.com/method/
Dr Maffetone’s bestselling books - https://shop.philmaffetone.com/collections/maf-books
Mark Allen and his success with the MAF method - https://philmaffetone.com/mark-allen-and-dr-phil-maffetone-discuss-the-legendary-ironman-champs-success-with-using-the-maf-method/
Pecandy, Phil’s Fudge and Creamy Avocado recipes available here - https://philmaffetone.com/recipe_category/dessert/
For more information please go to www.SimonWardTriathlonCoach.com, or www.TheTriathlonCoach.com, or email Beth@thetriathloncoach.com.
5 years ago
As an injured runner I have transitioned to cycle training in the interim and have implemented MAF training. 3 weeks on I am already astounded by my progress and how I feel in general.
7 years ago
great info thanks for all you hard work 👍
7 years ago
Brilliant just brilliant
7 years ago
Excellent Simon, Thank you. His book makes MUCH more sense now
7 years ago
brilliant listening
7 years ago
Brilliant podcast from the master of endurance training
7 years ago
love it, thanks
7 years ago
Top quality Simon, an excellent listen, thanks.
7 years ago
Awesome podcast Simon. Great to hear from Dr Phil in a really simple go away and implement talk. And duration was perfect for the whole of my dog walk today! Thanks 😁